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Quantiferon Monitor Testing Sheds Light on Immune System Disparities between Multiple Sclerosis Patients and Healthy
Ilona Součková1,2, Ondřej Souček1,2, Jan Krejsek1,2
1Department of Clinical Immunology and Allergology, University Hospital Hradec Kralove, 50005 Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic.
Insights
This study investigated cytokine levels in multiple sclerosis (MS) patients, finding Interleukin-1 alpha (IL-1α) elevated in progressive MS (pMS) and fingolimod-treated MS (fMS). These cytokines may serve as biomarkers for MS progression and treatment response.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Neuroscience
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Multiple sclerosis (MS) involves complex immune dysregulation.
- Monitoring immune status in MS patients is crucial for treatment efficacy.
- Previous studies focused on Interferon-gamma (IFN-γ), necessitating broader immune marker investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess QuantiFERON Monitor (QFM) testing utility in MS patients.
- To analyze a panel of cytokines in healthy controls (HC), untreated progressive MS (pMS), and fingolimod-treated relapsing-remitting MS (fMS) patients.
- To identify potential cytokine biomarkers for MS progression and treatment response.
Main Methods:
- Blood samples from 280 participants (98 fMS, 96 pMS, 86 HC) were analyzed.
- Leukocyte stimulation followed by Interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) measurement via QuantiFERON Monitor (QFM).
- Screening of 15 cytokines using Luminex technology, with further analysis by ELISA.
Main Results:
- Elevated Interleukin-1 alpha (IL-1α) levels were observed in both pMS and fMS groups compared to HC.
- Significant differences in interleukin levels were found between patient groups.
- Interleukin-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1ra) and age were key predictors differentiating HC from pMS.
- IL-1ra, IL-1α, age, and EDSS distinguished pMS from fMS.
Conclusions:
- Cytokine profiles, particularly IL-1α and IL-1ra, show potential as biomarkers in MS.
- These biomarkers may aid in understanding MS progression and response to treatments like fingolimod.
- QFM testing and subsequent cytokine analysis offer insights into immune modulation in MS.
Abstract:
The aim of this study was to conduct QuantiFERON Monitor (QFM) testing in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS), which is used to monitor the state of the immune system through the non-specific stimulation of leukocytes followed by determining the level of interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) released from activated cells. Additionally, we tested the level of selected cytokines (IFN-α, IFN-γ, IL-1α, IL-1β, IL-1ra, IL-2, IL-3, IL-4, IL-6, IL-7, IL-10, IL-15, IL-33, VEGF) from stimulated blood samples to further understand the immune response. This study builds upon a previously published study, utilizing activated serum samples that were initially used for IFN-γ determination. However, our current focus shifts from IFN-γ to exploring other cytokines that could provide further insights into the immune response. A screening was conducted using Luminex technology, which yielded promising results. These results were then further elaborated upon using ELISA to provide a more detailed understanding of the cytokine profiles involved. This study, conducted from August 2019 to June 2023, included 280 participants: 98 RRMS patients treated with fingolimod (fMS), 96 untreated patients with progressive MS (pMS), and 86 healthy controls (HC). Our results include Violin plots showing elevated IL-1α in pMS and fMS. Statistical analysis indicated significant differences in the interleukin levels between groups, with IL-1ra and age as key predictors in differentiating HC from pMS and IL-1ra, IL-1α, age, and EDSS in distinguishing pMS from fMS. These findings suggest cytokines' potential as biomarkers in MS progression and treatment response.
